Nine wonderful discounts for senior citizens of SA

Beyond South African Social Security Agency grants, there are plenty discounts for South African senior citizens you really ought to be taking advantage of. From public transport to retail, education and even leisure activities, here are some of the best discounts for South African senior citizens we’re aware of. If you know of any more, or some we missed out on, please be sure to let us know in the comments section below.

DISCOUNTS FOR SOUTH AFRICAN SENIOR CITIZENS

1. PUBLIC TRANSPORT

One of the most significant discounts for South African senior citizens is all-important access to public transport. National government, in collaboration with local municipalities, provide special concessions to elderly citizens. And for the many pensioners who rely on public transport for their daily needs, these discounts make a substantial difference to their monthly expenses.

As always, consult with your local municipality to check discounts in your area. But we’re aware of Metrorail offering a 40% discount on train fares for senior citizens with a valid South African ID, over the age of 60 years. Likewise, the City of Joburg’s Rea Vaya bus service offers free rides for pensioners and people living with disabilities as part of its ‘Jo’burg Cares’ campaign.

Intercape ‘sleepliner’ busses offers a 15% discount to all senior citizens over 60 years of age. You will also be guaranteed a seat on the lower deck so there is no flight of stairs to negotiate and the toilet is nearby.

2. RATES AND TAXES

As a pensioner, you qualify for a rebate on your property rates, water, electricity and refuse removal of between 40% and 100%, reports Good Things Guy. This is in a similar vein as indigent benefits available all around the country for qualifying pensioners. Contact your local municipality to check eligibility and the reduced rates that apply.  

3. EDUCATION

With hundreds of universities, colleges and schools, it would be impossible to list all the discounts for South African senior citizens. However, many accredited educational institutions offer discounted or free courses. Be sure to identify what you would like to continue learning and contact a local university/college to see what discount they can offer. It’s never too late to learn new things …

4. SANPARKS

As SANPARKS is affiliated with the government, it offers amazing discounts for South African senior citizens. You must be 60-years of age or older. And these apply to certain months of the year only. Plus, it will more than likely exclude Fridays, Saturdays and long weekends. The discounts can be up to 40% off the normal rate.

5. CINEMAS

Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas offer over 60s a 50% discount for all movies on weekdays and weekends. This is provided you bring along your ID. On Wednesdays everyone qualifies for a special rate.

6. RETAIL

• There are discounts for South African senior citizens at all Game stores. Over 60s qualify for a Senior Citizens’ Discount Card which can be used on Wednesdays countrywide. The first R1 500 spent qualifies for a 10% discount. Although this does not apply to certain items like groceries, liquor, cell phones, airtime and contracts.
• Pick ‘n Pay hypermarkets, family markets, and supermarkets are free to decide their own pensioner policies as regards discounts. So, talk to management in your local store to find out more. Some issue special booklets with discount coupons every month for pensioners, for meat, dairy, fish and other foods. Some have a pensioners’ day once a week where a 5% discount is offered. Senior citizens need to be 60-years old and bring along their ID.
• If you’re a ClubCard member, you can take advantage of discounts for South African senior citizens. You will earn Double Points on the second Wednesday of the month on their exclusive Double Points Days and get an additional ClubCard Point for every Point earned.
• Dischem pharmacies treat pensioners to a Double Points Day twice a month, and there is a 60+ Pensioners Tea once a year, where senior citizens receive a hamper of products.
• Many senior citizens suffer from poor eyesight, so Torga Optical offers free eye testing and discounts on frames and lenses, nationally. One of the better discounts for South African senior citizens.
• Builders Warehouse offer a 10% discount on Wednesdays if you have a loyalty card.

7. LEISURE

The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town has an a brilliant seniors campaign. This offers South African pensioners free parking Monday to Friday between 09h00 and 12h00. Then there is the City Sightseeing’s Pensioners Special, which is a wonderful opportunity to see the glories of Cape Town at reduced rates. Likewise, Two Oceans Aquarium has a well-priced pensioner’s ticket for half off. To take advantage of all of this, just go to the website and register with the V&A Waterfront special offers. Also, remember to bring along your ID document.

8. AUTOMOTIVE

The Automobile Association (AA) offers over 60s a substantial discount for an annual AA Membership. This peace of mind includes three call-outs per membership year if you have a mechanical issue or simply need a tyre replacing. Likewise, Tiger Wheel & Tyre – offers varying in-store discounts on tyres and selected products every Tuesday. So, if you need wheels, tyres, balancing or alignment done, wait till Tuesday for the best price.

9. HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION

Tsogo Sun Hotels – which includes Southern Sun – offers a 50% discount to anyone over the age of 63 on its Best Available Rate of the day. This is subject to availability of course. Similarly, the Orion hotel group offers pensioners over 60 a 40% discount on rates.